Top 10 Types of Barcode for Businesses?

In this Blog we will explore about Top 10 Types of barcodes are essential tools for automatic parity and data capture across a variety of industries. They provide a quick and efficient way to track yield, govern inventory, and streamline operations. Below are the types of barcodes, some of which are designed for unusual applications and have unique features. 

What is the Barcode?

There are multiple types of barcodes machine-readable representations of data, typically an arrangement of black and white lines of varying width or a pattern of squares and dots (as in a QR code). The interconnected pattern or code contains information that can be quickly scanned and interpreted by an optical reader such as a barcode scanner or a mobile device camera. Barcodes are widely used in retail, logistics, healthcare and a variety of other industries for tracking, identification and inventory management.

What are the Top 10 Types of Barcode?

1. QR code

2. Code 39

3. Code 128

4. Data Matrix

5. Gs1 1d barcodes

6. EAN

7. GS1-128

8. GS1 DataBar

9. UPC

10. Code 93

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1. QR Code

A QR code (Quick Response Code) is a type of two-dimensional (2D) barcode that stores data in a pattern of black squares arranged on a white grid. It can contain much more information than a traditional barcode and can be quickly scanned by digital devices such as smartphones, cameras and scanners. A QR code can store a variety of data, including text, URLs, contact information and more.

1. High data capacity: QR codes can store up to 7,000 digits or 4,000 characters, which is much more than a standard barcode.

2. Error Correction: QR codes can be read accurately even if some part of the code is damaged or unclear.

3. Multi-directional scanning: They can be scanned from any direction, making scanning faster and more flexible.

4. Versatility: QR codes are widely used for various applications, including marketing (directing users to websites), payments, event ticketing, contactless interactions, and product tracking.

2. Code 39

Code 39 is an alphanumeric barcode standard typically used in industrial and government settings. It encodes uppercase letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9) and some special characters, each barcode is preceded by a * start/stop symbol. It does not require check digits and allows variable-length codes, making its use easy and flexible. However, it does require more space than other types, so it is best for applications without strict space limitations.

3. Code 128

Code 128 is a compact, high-density barcode format used to encode alphanumeric data. It supports the full ASCII set and has three encoding modes (A, B, and C) for letters, numbers, and efficient numeric compression. Code 128 is commonly used in shipping, inventory, and product labeling because of its ability to store large amounts of data in a small space, as well as a checksum for accuracy.

1. High Density: Encodes large amounts of data into a compact format.

2. Full ASCII support: Supports all ASCII characters (0-127), including letters, numbers and symbols.

3. Three character sets:

Set A: Capital letters, digits, and control characters.

Set B: Capital and small letters and punctuation marks.

Set C: Efficiently encodes digit pairs.

4. Error Detection: Uses checksums to ensure the accuracy of data.

5. Applications: Common in logistics, shipping, inventory and healthcare because of its versatility and efficiency.

4. Data Matrix

A Data Matrix is ​​a type of 2D barcode that consists of sequential black and white cells arranged in a square or rectangular grid. It can encode a large amount of data in a small space, making it ideal for applications where space is limited. Data matrix codes are commonly used in industries such as electronics, healthcare, aerospace, and logistics.

Healthcare: To label small medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

Electronics: Commonly used to label individual components.

Aerospace and Automotive: To track parts in manufacturing.

Retail and Logistics: For inventory control and tracking because of its flexibility and compact nature.

5. GS1 1D Barcodes

GS1 1D barcodes are standardized linear (one-dimensional) barcodes developed by GS1, a universal system that sets standards for business communications, specifically for the supply chain and retail industries. GS1 barcodes are widely used to identify products, track inventory and facilitate seamless transactions between suppliers, retailers and consumers around the world. Some of the commonly used GS1 1D barcodes include.

1. UPC (Universal Product Code): U.S. standard for retail products. And is used in Canada.

2. EEA (European Article Number): Used internationally for retail, with 13-digit (EAN-13) and 8-digit (EAN-8) versions.

3. ITF-14: For shipping containers and cartons.

4. GS1-128: Used in logistics to track items with extra data such as serial numbers.

5. GS1 DataBar: Compact barcodes for fresh foods and healthcare items, often with expiration dates

6. EAN

EAN stands for European Article Number, which is a standard for barcodes used to identify products. EAN codes are widely used in retail trade and are part of the broader GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) system, which is managed by an international organization called GS1.
Overall, EEA codes play a vital role in modern retail and supply chain operations by enabling efficient product identification and management.

7. GS1-128

GS1-128 is a type of linear barcode that complies with the GS1 criteria, a global organization that advances and maintains standards for supply chain and data identification. GS1-128 is specifically designed for use in logistics and supply chain applications, enabling it to encode a wide variety of data, including product identification, batch numbers, expiry dates and quantities.

Format: Based on Code 128 with AI for different data types.

Data Capability: This can include GTIN, lot number, expiration date, and serial number.

Uses: Commonly used in shipping labels, inventory tracking, and POS systems.

Benefits: Improves efficiency, reduces errors and follows international standards.

8. GS1 DataBar

GS1 DataBar is a family of barcodes developed by GS1, an international organization that develops and maintains supply chain standards. GS1 DataBar codes are designed to enhance the tracking and identification of products in retail and other industries. Here are some key features and details about GS1 DataBar.

Compact Design: Encodes more data in a smaller space than traditional barcodes.

Variants: These include types such as omnidirectional, stacked, extended and limited, each suitable for different applications.

Data Capacity: Can store GTINs, expiry dates and batch numbers.

Applications: Used in retail, healthcare and logistics for improved accuracy and inventory management.

9. UPC

The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a widely used barcode standard in retail, consisting of a 12-digit number that helps track products. It has a structure where the first six digits identify the manufacturer (company prefix), the next five indicate the specific product (item reference), and the last digit serves as a check digit for error detection.

There are two general formats UPC-A, which is the standard 12-digit format, and UPC-E, a compressed 6-digit version used for smaller packages. UPCs facilitate point-of-sale transactions, inventory management and supply chain operations by allowing quick scanning with barcode scanners. Administered by the GS1 organization, UPCs are essential for modern retail and logistics, improving efficiency and accuracy in product identification.

First 6 digits: Identify the manufacturer (company prefix).

Next 5 digits: Identify the specific product (item reference).

Last digit: A check digit for error detection.

10. Code 93

Code 93 is a linear barcode designed to efficiently and compactly encode alphanumeric data. It supports a variety of characters including capital letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9) and spaces, $, %, *, +, -, ., /, and some special characters like One of its main benefits is that it is compact compared to other barcode types such as Code 39, making it ideal for applications where space is limited.

Code 93 has high density, allowing more information to be encoded in a smaller area, which is particularly useful in logistics, inventory management, and healthcare for tracking and labeling products. The structure of the Code 93 barcode includes a start character, encoded data, a check character to detect errors, and a stop character.

Character Set: Encodes A-Z, 0-9, and some special characters.

Compactness: More compact than Code 39.

High Density: Encodes more information in less space.

Check Character: Includes error detection.

Application: Used in logistics and healthcare.

Structure: Includes start, data, check, and stop characters.

Comparison: More dense than Code 39, simpler than Code 128.

Conclusion

There are multiple types of barcode play a vital role in commerce and logistics by enabling efficient tracking and identification across various industries. Different types of barcodes, including linear (1D) and 2D codes, serve specific purposes depending on the amount of data to be encoded and the application requirements. Linear barcodes, such as UPC and Code 39, are suitable for retail businesses, while 2D barcodes, such as QR codes, offer greater data capacity and versatility.

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